Electrodes comprising conductive perovskite-seed layers for perovskite dielectrics

ABSTRACT

A preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a perovskite-seed layer (e.g. calcium ruthenate 40) between a conductive oxide layer (e.g. ruthenium oxide 36) and a perovskite dielectric material (e.g. barium strontium titanate 42), wherein the perovskite-seed layer and the conductive oxide layer each comprise the same metal. The metal should be conductive in its metallic state and should remain conductive when partially or fully oxidized. Generally, the perovskite-seed layer has a perovskite or perovskite-like crystal structure and lattice parameters which are similar to the perovskite dielectric layer formed thereon. At a given deposition temperature, the crystal quality and other properties of the perovskite dielectric will generally be enhanced by depositing it on a surface having a similar crystal structure. Undesirable crystal structure formation will generally be minimized and lower processing temperatures may be used to deposit the perovskite dielectric layer. Another benefit of this electrode system is that the perovskite-seed layer should do little or no reduction of the perovskite dielectric layer.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/283,468 filed Aug. 1, 1994, now abandoned.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following related applications were filed concurrently with the instant application:

    ______________________________________                                                                         Docket/                                                                        Serial                                         Title                Inventors  Number                                         ______________________________________                                         Improved High-Dielectric-Constant                                                                   Summerfelt,                                                                               TI-17950                                       Material Electrodes Comprising Thin                                                                 Beratan,                                                  Platinum Layers      Kirlin,                                                                        Gnade                                                     Improved High-Dielectric-Constant                                                                   Summerfelt,                                                                               TI-19153                                       Material Electrodes Comprising Thin                                                                 Beratan,                                                  Ruthenium Dioxide Layers                                                                            Kirlin,                                                                        Gnade                                                     Pre-oxidizing High-Dielectric-Constant                                                              Nishioka,  TI-19189                                       Material Electrodes  Summerfelt,                                                                    Park,                                                                          Bhattacharya                                              High-Dielectric-Constant Material                                                                   Nishioka,  TI-19272                                       Electrodes Comprising Sidewall                                                                      Park,                                                     Spacers              Bhattacharya,                                                                  Summerfelt                                                A Conductive Amouphous-Nitride                                                                      Summerfelt TI-19554                                       Barrier Layer for High-Dielectric-                                             Constant Material Electrodes                                                   A Conductive Exotic-Nitride                                                                         Summerfelt TI-19555                                       Barrier for High-Dielectric-                                                   Constant Material Electrodes                                                   A Conductive Noble-Metal-Insulator-                                                                 Summerfelt,                                                                               TI-19556                                       Alloy Barrier Layer for High                                                                        Nicolet,                                                  Dielectric-Constant Material Electrodes                                                             Reid,                                                                          Kolawa                                                    ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                                                        Docket/                                                                        Serial                                          Title               Inventors  Number                                          ______________________________________                                         Improved Electrical Connections to                                                                 Gnade,     08/009,521                                      Dielectric Materials                                                                               Summerfelt                                                 Improved Electrical Connections to                                                                 Gnade,     08/260,149                                      Dielectric Materials                                                                               Summerfelt                                                 Lightly Doner Doped Electrodes for                                                                 Summerfelt,                                                                               08/040,946                                      High-Dielectric Constant Materials                                                                 Beratan,                                                                       Gnade                                                      Lightly Donor Doped Electrodes for                                                                 Summerfelt,                                                                               TI-17660.1                                      High-Dielectric-Constant Materials                                                                 Beratan,                                                                       Gnade                                                      Improved Electrode Interface for                                                                   Summerfelt,                                                                               08/041,025                                      High-Dielectric-Constant Materials                                                                 Beratan                                                    ______________________________________                                    

FIELD OF TITLE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to improving electrical connections perovskite materials, such as in the construction of pyroelectric detectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with current methods of forming electrical connections to perovskite materials, as an example.

The increasing density of integrated circuits (e.g. DRAMs) is increasing the need for materials with high-dielectric-constants to be used in electrical devices such as capacitors. Generally, capacitance is directly related to the surface area of the electrode in contact with the capacitor dielectric, but is not significantly affected by the electrode volume. The current method generally utilized to achieve higher capacitance per unit area is to increase the surface area unit area by increasing she topography, such as in trench and stack capacitors using SiO₂ or SiO₂ /Si₃ N₄ as the dielectric. This approach becomes very difficult in terms of manufacturability for devices such as the 256 Mbit and 1 Gbit DRAMs.

An alternative approach is to use a high permittivity dielectric material. Many perovskite, pyroelectric, ferroelectric, or high-dielectric-constant (hereafter abbreviated HDC) materials such as (Ba,Sr)TiO₃ (BST) usually have much larger capacitance densities than standard SiO₂ --Si₃ N₄ --SiO₂ capacitors. Various metals and metallic compounds, and typically noble metals such as Pt and conductive oxides such as RuO₂, have been proposed as the electrodes for these perovskite dielectric materials. To be useful in electronic devices, however, reliable electrical connections should generally be constructed which do not diminish the beneficial properties of these perovskite dielectric materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term "high-dielectric-constant" means a dielectric constant greater than about 50 at device operating temperature. As used herein the term "perovskite" means a material with a perovskite or perovskite-like crystal structure. As used herein the term "dielectric", when used in reference to a perovskite, means a non-conductive perovskite, pyroelectric, ferroelectric, or high-dielectric-constant oxide material. The deposition of a perovskite dielectric usually occurs at high temperature (generally greater than about 500° C.) in an oxygen containing atmosphere. The lower electrode structure should be stable during this deposition, and both the lower and upper electrode structures should be stable after this deposition.

It is herein recognized that there are several problems with the materials thus far chosen for the lower electrode in thin-film (generally less than 5 um) applications; many of these problems are related to semiconductor process integration. For example, Pt has several problems as a lower electrode which hinder it being used alone. Pt generally allows oxygen to diffuse through it and hence typically allows neighboring materials to oxidize. Pt also does not normally stick very well to traditional dielectrics such as SiO₂ or SiN₄, and Pt can rapidly form a silicide at low temperatures. A Ta layer has been used as a sticking or buffer layer under the Pt electrode, however during BST deposition, oxygen can diffuse through the Pt and oxidize the Ta and make the Ta less conductive. This may possibly be acceptable for structures in which contact is made directly to the Pt layer instead of to the Ta layer, but there are other associated problems as described hereinbelow. For example, Pt has a radioactive isotope, Pt-190, that, even though it has a relatively long half-life and makes up a small percentage of the total number of Pt atoms, could create a substantial number of detrimental alpha-particles when used in a standard thin-film structure.

Conductive oxides such as RuO₂ have been proposed as the lower (and upper) electrode. Although Ru is generally not a standard integrated circuit manufacturing material, Ru/RuO₂ can be used to provide an oxygen barrier between the underlying materials and the perovskite dielectric material. RuO₂ will generally not reduce the perovskite dielectric material and can possibly be used as an oxygen source for the perovskite dielectric material.

Other structures which have been proposed include alloys of Pt, Pd, Rh as the electrode and oxides made of Re, Os, Rh and Ir as the sticking layer on single crystal Si or poly-Si. A problem with these electrodes is that these oxides are generally not stable next to Si and that these metals typically rapidly form silicides at low temperatures (generally less than about 450° C.). In addition, elements such as Pt can normally diffuse quickly in Si and therefore can cause other problems.

One problem with these solutions is that an electrode surface with a crystal structure and lattice parameters different than that of a perovskite dielectric appears to degrade the properties of the perovskite dielectric. For example, the spontaneous polarization of a ferroelectric (e.g. lead zirconium titanate (PZT)) deposited on an RuO₂ electrode is generally degraded compared to that of a Pt electrode. The reduced polarization may be caused by the different crystal structure and lattice parameters between PZT and RuO₂ as compared to PZT and Pt.

As an example, PZT commonly forms an undesirable pyrochlore crystal structure prior to the formation of the perovskite crystal structure. To facilitate perovskite crystal formation, perovskite dielectrics such as PZT have been deposited on some conductive perovskite such as YBa₂ Cu₃ O_(7-x) and (La,Sr)CoO₃. Deposition of PZT on a substrate with a perovskite or perovskite-like crystal structure normally minimizes the formation of the pyrochlore phase and improves the properties of the perovskite dielectric. However, the materials used thus far for the deposition surface have several problems. For example, they typically involve new cations such as Cu and Co which are fairly reactive. These materials are also generally difficult to etch. In addition, these materials must be deposited in the stoichiometric ratio, and this deposition is generally difficult.

Generally, the present invention uses a conductive perovskite-seed layer between a conductive oxide layer and a perovskite dielectric material, wherein the perovskite-seed layer and the conductive oxide layer each comprise the same metal. The metal should be conductive in its metallic state and should remain conductive when partially or fully oxidized, and when in a perovskite. Generally, the perovskite-seed layer has a perovskite or perovskite-like crystal structure and lattice parameters which are similar to the perovskite dielectric layer formed thereon. At a given deposition temperature, the crystal quality and other properties of the perovskite dielectric will generally be enhanced by depositing it on a surface having a similar crystal structure. Undesirable crystal structure formation will generally be minimized and lower processing temperatures may be used to deposit the perovskite dielectric layer. Another benefit of this electrode system is that the perovskite-seed layer should do little or no reduction of the perovskite dielectric layer.

The disclosed structures generally provide electrical connection to perovskite dielectric materials while eliminating many of the disadvantages of the current structures. One embodiment of this invention comprises a conductive oxide layer comprising a first metal, a conductive perovskite-seed layer comprising the first metal overlaying the conductive oxide layer, and a perovskite dielectric layer overlaying the perovskite-seed layer. The similar crystal structure of the perovskite-seed layer improves the crystal quality of the perovskite dielectric layer and minimizes the formation of non-perovskite crystal structures. A method of forming an embodiment of this invention comprises forming a conductive oxide layer comprising a first metal, forming a conductive perovskite-seed layer comprising the first metal on the conductive oxide layer, and forming a perovskite dielectric layer on the perovskite-seed layer.

Another method of forming an embodiment of this invention comprises forming a conductive oxide layer having a top surface and side surfaces and comprising a first metal. A selectively reactive layer is formed on the conductive oxide layer and then the selectively reactive layer and the conductive oxide layer are heated, thereby causing the selectively reactive layer and the conductive oxide layer to react and form a perovskite seed layer on the conductive oxide layer. The perovskite seed layer comprises the first metal. Any unreacted portions of the selectively reactive layer are removed, and a perovskite dielectric layer is formed on the perovskite seed layer.

These are apparently the first thin-film structures wherein an electrical connection to a perovskite dielectric material comprises a perovskite-seed layer between a conductive oxide layer and the perovskite dielectric, wherein the perovskite-seed layer and the conductive oxide layer each comprise the same metal. These structures may also be used for single or multilayer capacitors and other thin-film devices such as non-volatile memories, thin-film piezoelectric and thin-film electro-optic devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other features and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the detailed description which follows, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1-6 are cross-sectional views showing the progressive steps in the fabrication of a microelectronic structure in which a perovskite dielectric layer is deposited on an electrode comprising a perovskite-seed layer;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a microelectronic structure comprising two metal layers that will be oxidized to form a perovskite-seed layer and a conductive oxide layer;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a microelectronic structure comprising a metal-deficient layer overlaying a conductive oxide layer;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a perovskite-seed layer overlaying a conductive oxide layer;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a perovskite dielectric overlaying the structure of FIG. 9; and

FIGS. 11-13 are cross-sectional views of capacitors having a perovskite dielectric layer overlaying an electrode comprising a perovskite-seed layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a method of forming a preferred embodiment of this invention, a microelectronic structure comprising a perovskite-seed layer between a conductive oxide layer and a perovskite dielectric, wherein the perovskite-seed layer and the conductive oxide layer each comprise the same metal. FIG. 1 illustrates a silicon semiconductor substrate 30. FIG. 2 illustrates an SiO₂ insulating layer 32 formed on the surface of the silicon substrate 30. FIG. 3 illustrates a patterned layer of ruthenium 34 deposited on the SiO₂ layer 32. The ruthenium layer 34 is subsequently oxidized to form ruthenium dioxide layer 36, which will function as the base of the lower electrode, as shown in FIG. 4. Ruthenium is conductive from its unoxidized state through its partially oxidized state to its fully oxidized state. The thickness of ruthenium dioxide layer 36 can vary depending on the application; a typical range would be 50 to 100 nanometers (nm).

FIG. 4 further illustrates a thin layer of calcium oxide 38 deposited on the surface of ruthenium dioxide layer 36 and on the exposed surface of SiO₂ layer 32. The structure is then heated, causing a solid state reaction between the CaO 38 and the surface of RuO₂ layer 36 to form the CaRuO₃ perovskite seed layer 40. CaRuO₃ layer 40 would generally be less than 50 nm thick, typically less than 30 nm thick, and preferably 10 to 20 nm thick. The thickness and stoichiometry of CaRuO₃ layer 40 is determined by how much CaO is deposited for layer 38 and by the processing temperature and time, and not by the deposition process. CaO layer 38 should be at least thick enough to form CaRuO₃ layer 40 of the desired thickness. More CaO than is necessary can be deposited: if a partial reaction occurs, a mild wet etch such as hot deionized water can be used to dissolve the unreacted CaO on CaRuO₃ layer 40, along with the portion of CaO layer 38 overlaying SiO₂ layer 32, yielding the structure of FIG. 5.

Selective chemical reactivity is generally desirable for CaO layer 38, so that it reacts with RuO₂ layer 36 and not with other materials which it contacts. To this end, a barrier layer such as Si₃ N₄ may be used between CaO layer 38 and SiO₂ layer 32 to minimize the formation of silicates for example. Alternatively, a carbonate such as CaCO₃ may be used instead of CaO since CaCO₃ is generally less reactive.

These are apparently the first methods wherein an electrical connection to a perovskite dielectric material is formed by using a selectively reactive layer. This layer reacts with an underlying barrier layer to form a perovskite seed layer on the barrier layer, and then the excess portions of the selectively reactive layer are removed.

Although using very different materials and structures, this technique is similar to that used for the formation of platinum silicide or the formation of titanium nitride/titanium silicide/silicon ohmic contacts, wherein two layers of materials are caused to interact and form a third layer, with the unreacted material subsequently being removed. By using a layer that is selectively reactive to the conductive oxide layer, patterning is generally not needed to deposit the selectively reactive layer. Even though this process could possibly take more steps than a process in which the perovskite seed layer is deposited directly, it is generally easier and simpler to perform. Since the perovskite seed layer is self-aligned and no removal of portions of the perovskite seed layer is necessary. The unreacted portions of the selectively reactive layer can be removed with a selective, but unpatterned etch.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perovskite dielectric, BST layer 42, deposited on CaRuO₃ layer 40. At a given deposition temperature, the crystal quality and other properties of BST layer 42 will generally be enhanced by depositing it on the surface of CaRuO₃ layer 40 due to the similarity in crystal structure. As will be described in other alternate embodiments, an upper electrode may be deposited on BST layer 42.

There are many alternative ways to form the CaRuO₃ perovskite-seed layer. In an alternate embodiment, FIG. 7 illustrates the structure of FIG. 3 but with a thin calcium layer 44 deposited on ruthenium layer 34. The calcium is then oxidized and in doing so reacts with the surface of ruthenium layer 34 to form a layer of CaRuO₃. The excess calcium is then removed, yielding the structure of FIG. 5.

In another alternate embodiment, FIG. 8 illustrates a deposited ruthenium layer 34 with its surface oxidized to form ruthenium dioxide layer 36. A layer of Ru deficient CaRu_(1-x) O_(z). 46 is then sputtered on the structure. CaRu_(1-x) O_(z) layer 46 may be deposited on the entire structure or on ruthenium dioxide layer 36 only, using a mask. The structure is then annealed in oxygen to form a near stoichiometric layer of CaRuO₃ as the Ru deficient CaRu_(1-x) O_(z) reacts with the ruthenium dioxide. If necessary, excess material is removed, again yielding the structure of FIG. 5.

In another alternate embodiment, FIG. 9 illustrates a layer of CaRuO₃ 40 overlaying a layer of RuO₂ 36, and FIG. 10 illustrates a layer of BST 42 deposited on CaRuO₃ layer 40. The crystal quality and other properties of BST layer 42 are enhanced by depositing it on the surface of CaRuO₃ layer 40, which has a similar crystal structure.

In another alternate embodiment, FIG. 11 illustrates a perovskite HDC capacitor utilizing an electrode comprising a perovskite-seed layer. BST layer 42 overlays the CaRuO₃ perovskite-seed layer 40, which in turn overlays RuO₂ layer 36. A TiN upper electrode 50 overlays BST layer 42. TiN is generally a good sticking layer and diffusion barrier, in addition to being conductive. In this embodiment, conductive CaRuO₃ layer 40 is connected to from above, via a conductive TiN plug 54. The TiN plug 54 makes electrical contact to the aluminum top metallization 56 through the second SiO₂ insulating layer 52. The two other TiN plugs 54 make electrical contact from the aluminum top metallization layer 56 to the TiN upper electrode 50 and to the doped silicon region 48.

In another alternate embodiment, FIG. 12 illustrates a perovskite HDC capacitor utilizing an electrode comprising a perovskite-seed layer. As in FIG. 11, the CaRuO₃ perovskite-seed layer 40 is again formed on RuO₂ layer 36. However, in FIG. 12, RuO₂ layer 36 provides electrical connection to doped silicon region 48 below it.

In yet another alternate embodiment, FIG. 13 illustrates a perovskite HDC capacitor utilizing an electrode comprising a perovskite-seed layer. As in FIG. 12, RuO₂ layer 36 is used for electrical contact. However, in FIG. 13, RuO₂ layer 36 connects to the doped silicon region 48 via a TiN plug 58. The sole Table, below, provides an overview of some embodiments and the drawings.

                  TABLE                                                            ______________________________________                                                Preferred                                                               Drawing                                                                               or Specific                                                                              Generic                                                       Element                                                                               Examples  Term      Other Alternate Examples                            ______________________________________                                         30     Silicon   Substrate Other single component                                                         semiconductors                                                                 (e.g. germanium, diamond)                                                      Compound semiconductors                                                        (e.g. GaAs, InP, Si/Ge,                                                        SiC)                                                                           Ceramic substrates                                  32     Silicon   First level                                                                              Other insulators                                           dioxide   insulator (e.g. silicon nitride)                                                         May be more than one                                                           layer (e.g. Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 barrier                                           over SiO.sub.2)                                                                Combinations of the above                                                      materials                                           34     Ruthenium First     Other metals                                                         metallic  (e.g. iridium)                                                       layer                                                         36     Ruthenium Conductive                                                                               Other conductive oxides                                    oxide     oxide     (e.g. iridium oxide)                                                           May contain some                                                               unoxidized or partially                                                        oxidized metal                                      38     Calcium   Selectively                                                                              Other oxides or carbonates                                 oxide     reactive  (e.g. calcium carbonate,                                             layer     strontium oxide, barium                                                        oxide, strontium carbonate,                                                    barium carbonate)                                   40     Calcium   Perovskite-                                                                              Other conductive                                           ruthenate seed layer                                                                               perovskites or perovskite-                                                     like materials (e.g.                                                           CaIrO.sub.3, SrRuO.sub.3, SrIrO.sub.3,                                         BaRuO.sub.3, BaIrO.sub.3)                           42     Barium    Perovskite                                                                               Other perovskite,                                          strontium dielectric                                                                               pyroelectric, ferroelectric,                               titanate  layer     or high-dielectric-constant                                                    oxides (e.g. (Ba,Sr,Pb)                                                        (Ti,Zr)O.sub.3,                                                                (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O.sub.3, bismuth                                                 titanate, potassium                                                            tantalate, lead scandium                                                       tantalate, lead niobate,                                                       potassium niobate, lead                                                        zinc niobate, lead                                                             magnesium niobate)                                  44     Calcium   Second    Other metals                                                         metallic  (e.g. barium, strontium)                                             layer                                                         46     CaRu.sub.1-x O.sub.z                                                                     Metal-    Other metal deficient                                                deficient compounds                                                            layer     (e.g. BaRu.sub.1-x O.sub.z,                                                    SrRu.sub.1-x O.sub.z)                               48     Doped     Conductive                                                                               Semiconductor                                              silicon   semi-     devices                                                              conductor                                                                      material                                                      50     Titanium  Upper     Other conductive metal                                     nitride   electrode compounds (e.g. nitrides:                                                      ruthenium nitride, tin                                                         nitride, zirconium nitride;                                                    oxides: ruthenium dioxide,                                                     tin oxide, titanium oxide,                                                     TiON, zinc oxide, doped                                                        zinc oxide, iridium oxide;                                                     silicides: titanium silicide,                                                  tantalum silicide, tungsten                                                    silicide, molybdenum                                                           silicide, nickel silicide;                                                     carbides: tantalum carbide;                                                    borides: titanium boride)                                                      Nobel or platinum group                                                        metals (e.g. platinum,                                                         palladium, rhodium, gold                                                       iridium, silver)                                                               Reactive metals (e.g.                                                          tungsten, tantalum,                                                            titanium, molybdenum)                                                          Other common                                                                   semiconductor electrodes                                                       (e.g. aluminum, doped Si                                                       or Ge)                                                                         Combinations of the above                                                      materials                                                                      May contain more than                                                          one layer                                           52     Silicon   Second    Other insulators                                           dioxide   level     (e.g. silicon nitride)                                               insulator                                                     54     Titanium  Conductive                                                                               Other reactive metal                                       nitride   plug      compounds (e.g. nitrides:                                                      zirconium nitride;                                                             silicides: titanium silicide,                                                  tantalum silicide, tungsten                                                    silicide, molybdenum                                                           silicide, nickel silicide;                                                     carbides: tantalum carbide;                                                    borides: titanium boride)                                                      Single component                                                               semiconductors (e.g.                                                           single- or poly-crystalline                                                    silicon, germanium)                                                            Reactive metals (e.g.                                                          tungsten, tantalum,                                                            titanium, molybdenum)                                                          Conductive carbides and                                                        borides (e.g. boron                                                            carbide)                                                                       Aluminum, copper                                                               Compound semiconductors                                                        (e.g. GaAs, InP, Si/Ge,                                                        SiC)                                                56     Aluminum  Top       Other common                                                         metal-    semiconductor electrodes                                             ization   (e.g. silicides, TiN)                                                          Two or more layers of                                                          metal and dielectric                                58     Titanium  Capacitor Other reactive metal                                       nitride   plug      compounds (e.g. nitrides:                                                      zirconium nitride;                                                             silicides: titanium silicide,                                                  tantalum silicide, tungsten                                                    silicide, molybdenum                                                           silicide, nickel silicide,                                                     cobalt silicide; carbides:                                                     tantalum carbide; borides:                                                     titanium boride)                                                               Single component                                                               semiconductors (e.g.                                                           single- or poly-crystalline                                                    silicon, germanium)                                                            Reactive metals (e.g.                                                          tungsten, tantalum,                                                            titanium, molybdenum)                                                          Conductive carbides and                                                        borides (e.g. boron                                                            carbide)                                                                       Compound semiconductors                                                        (e.g. GaAs, InP, Si/Ge,                                                        SiC)                                                                           May be multiple layers                                                         (e.g. TiN/TiSi.sub.x /poly-Si)                                                 Combinations of the above                                                      materials                                           ______________________________________                                    

Many thin-film applications such as dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) require a small leakage-current-density in addition to a large capacitance per unit area. Specifically, it appears that the leakage current is controlled by Schottky barriers, thus the structures of the present invention may have a larger leakage current compared with Pt electrodes due to the smaller work function. Although the leakage current is important for DRAMs, it is generally not critical for other applications such as non-volatile memories and pyroelectric detectors.

The capacitor plug may comprise multiple layers, with an upper portion overlying the first level insulator and underlying the first conductive oxide (or the first metallic layer if used). The capacitor plug, and especially the upper portion, may comprise still other materials than those listed in the table yet which may be preferred for various applications. For example, the lower electrode base may comprise ternary (or greater amorphous nitrides (e.g. Ta--Si--N, Ti--Si--N, Ta--B--N, Ti--B--N); exotic (non-standard Si processing) conductive nitrides (e.g. Zr nitride, Hf nitride, Y nitride, Sc nitride, La nitride and other rare earth nitrides, N deficient Al nitride, doped Al nitride, Mg nitride, Ca nitride, Sr nitride, Ba nitride); alloys of the above exotic conductive nitrides with common Si processing materials such as TiN, GaN, Ni nitride, Co nitride, Ta nitride, W nitride (e.g. Ta--Al--N, Ti--Al--N); or noble metal insulator alloys (e.g. Pd--Si--N, Pt--Si--N, Pd--Si--O, Pd--Si--O, Pd--B--(O,N), Pd--Al--N, Ru--Si--(O,N)).

A few preferred embodiments have been described in detail hereinabove. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention also comprehends embodiments different from those described, yet within the scope of the claims. With reference to the structures described, electrical connections to such structures can be ohmic, rectifying, capacitive, direct or indirect, via intervening circuits or otherwise. Implementation is contemplated in discrete components or fully integrated circuits in silicon, germanium, gallium arsenide, or other electronic materials families. In general the preferred or specific examples are preferred over the other alternate examples. For some drawing elements, the preferred or specific example and/or the other alternate examples may be used individually or combinations thereof may be used. The perovskite-seed layer may sometimes be referred to as being part of the electrode and may sometimes be referred to as being an interface to the electrode; the structures and methods of the present invention are substantially the same in either case. The conductive oxide layer (such as RuO₂) can also contain unoxidized or partially oxidized forms of the metal (such as Ru or RuO).

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A microelectronic structure comprising:a conductive oxide layer comprising a first metal; a conductive perovskite-seed layer comprising said first metal overlying said conductive oxide layer; and a perovskite dielectric layer overlying said perovskite-seed layer, whereby the similar crystal structure of the perovskite-seed layer improves the crystal quality of the perovskite dielectric layer and minimizes the formation of non-perovskite crystal structures.
 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein said first metal is ruthenium and said conductive oxide is ruthenium dioxide.
 3. The structure of claim 1, wherein said first metal is iridium and said conductive oxide is iridium oxide.
 4. The structure of claim 1, wherein said perovskite-seed layer is calcium ruthenate.
 5. The structure of claim 1, wherein said perovskite-seed layer is selected from the group consisting of: SrRuO₃, BaRuO₃, CaIrO₃, SrIrO₃, and BaIrO₃.
 6. The structure of claim 1, wherein said perovskite dielectric layer is barium strontium titanate.
 7. The structure of claim 1, wherein said perovskite dielectric layer is selected from the group consisting of: (Ba,Sr,Pb)(Ti,Zr)O₃, (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O₃, bismuth titanate, potassium tantalate, lead scandium tantalate, lead niobate, potassium niobate, lead zinc niobate, and lead magnesium niobate.
 8. The structure of claim 1, further comprising an upper electrode overlying said perovskite dielectric layer.
 9. The structure of claim 8, wherein said upper electrode is titanium nitride.
 10. The structure of claim 1, further comprising said conductive oxide layer overlying a first metallic layer composed of said first metal.
 11. The structure of claim 1, wherein said conductive oxide layer further comprises unoxidized and partially oxidized forms of said first metal.
 12. A microelectronic capacitor structure comprising:a ruthenium dioxide layer; a calcium ruthenate layer overlying said ruthenium dioxide layer; a barium strontium titanate layer overlying said calcium ruthenate layer; and an upper electrode overlying said barium strontium titanate layer.
 13. A microelectronic capacitor structure comprising:an iridium oxide layer; a CaIrO₃ layer overlying said iridium oxide layer; a barium strontium titanate layer overlying said CaIrO₃ layer; and an upper electrode overlying said barium strontium titanate layer. 